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Light tsunami in a superconductor

Scientists have successfully controlled the flow of electrons within layers of a superconductor using terahertz flashes. This technique enables precise switching on and off of superconductivity, paving the way for new applications in information processing.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 3, 2013

Surprises in the South polar vortex in Venus' atmosphere

Researchers discovered that the South pole vortex of Venus is composed of two main cloud layers, with centres of rotation at different altitudes forming a constantly evolving permanent structure. This phenomenon, known as super-rotation, occurs due to the planet's slow rotation speed and fast atmospheric rotation rate.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 24, 2013

Resistance is futile

Researchers from Russia, Spain, Belgium, the U.K. and the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a way to efficiently stabilize tiny magnetic vortices that interfere with superconductivity. This breakthrough could remove one of the most significant roadblocks to advances in superconductor technology.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2013

U Alberta researchers move Barkhausen Effect forward

Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a new technique to analyze the Barkhausen Effect, providing critical information for rapid prototyping of magnetic computational devices. The method measures magnetic jumps in a special 'vortex' pattern and converts it into a probe of magnetic interactions on an atomic scale.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2013

Counting the twists in a helical light beam

Researchers at Harvard University have created a new device that can detect and distinguish between different types of twisted light waves, which can add an extra level of multiplexing to communication systems. This could potentially increase the rate of data transmission over limited bandwidth.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2013

Optical vortices on a chip

A team of scientists has developed integrated arrays of optical vortex beams on a silicon chip, which can be used to transmit multiple streams of information. This breakthrough could enable the creation of compact and high-density devices for applications such as sensing and microscopic particle manipulation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience·DateOct 18, 2012

Stratosphere targets deep sea to shape climate

A University of Utah study found that periodic changes in winds 15 to 30 miles high in the stratosphere influence deep-sea circulation patterns, affecting Earth's climate. The research revealed the North Atlantic as a sensitive area where warming or cooling from the troposphere can trigger downwelling events.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 23, 2012

Superconducting strip could become an ultra-low-voltage sensor

Researchers observed an intermittent motion of magnetic flux in a superconducting strip, resulting in alternating static and dynamic phases with zero and non-zero voltage peaks. The study's findings have potential applications for gate devices controlling on/off states in electrical systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 30, 2012

Lattice of magnetic vortices

Physicists at Hamburg and Kiel University have found a regular lattice of magnetic skyrmions on a surface, consisting of cycloidal vortex spin structures with exceptional stability. The discovery was made using spin-polarized scanning tunnelling microscopy and confirmed by quantum mechanical calculations.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 1, 2011

Mini disks for data storage

Researchers created mini magnetic disks with slanted edges, which favor the formation of tiny magnetic vortices. This allows for efficient data processing and reduced power consumption compared to traditional memory storage systems.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 14, 2011

Racetrack memory

Researchers have developed racetrack memory, which uses magnetic tape and spin-polarized currents to store data at speeds of several hundred meters per second. This technology could enable computers to boot up instantly and access information 100,000 times more rapidly than traditional hard disks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 15, 2010

Tying light in knots

A team of physicists from Bristol, Glasgow and Southampton universities have successfully created knots in optical vortices using holograms designed with knot theory. This new research demonstrates the physical application of an abstract branch of mathematics previously considered impossible to apply.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 17, 2010

AGU journal highlights -- March 12, 2009

Researchers investigated coral skeleton formation and found systematic compositional variations, complicating paleoenvironmental change proxies. Meanwhile, a study on Venus' vortices revealed similarities with terrestrial hurricanes, potentially aiding atmospheric superrotation understanding.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 12, 2009

River plants may play major role in health of ocean coastal waters

Research at MIT suggests that aquatic plants in rivers can help dampen storm surge, lower nutrient levels, and promote sediment accumulation. By understanding how water flows through plant canopies, ecologists can determine the optimal vegetation patch length and planting density for river restoration.

Storing data on atomic roundabouts

Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered right-handed and left-handed magnetic vortices, which could be used to store information in hard disks. The discovery has potential practical applications, but the primary interest is in understanding the underlying principles of magnetism.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2007

Researchers catch motion of a single electron on video

Researchers at Brown University have successfully captured the motion of a single electron in liquid helium using sound waves. The images show electrons moving through the fluid in snakelike paths, which are believed to be following vortex lines - a phenomenon akin to a tornado in superfluids.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Low Temperature Physics·DateJun 6, 2007

AGU journal highlights -- Jan. 2, 2007

Researchers studied the effects of the Mt. Pinatubo eruption on Earth's climate, finding that natural aerosols have a cooling effect and that coupled climate models should be tested for their response times. Additionally, scientists investigated the link between Antarctic and Indian Ocean temperatures, suggesting Subantarctic Mode Wate...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 2, 2007

Magnetic needles turn somersaults

Researchers at Max Planck Institute have found a way to easily reverse vortex cores, creating a digital bit that is extremely stable. This mechanism can be used for a new magnetic storage concept, where magnetic pulses can efficiently reverse the vortex core with no losses and quickly.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 28, 2006